Franklin said shooting into an occupied vehicle causing the death of another person can lead to a capital murder charge. Wetumpka resident Brandy Laurenzi says despite the fatal shooting, she believes the city is safe. From The Montgomery Area Mental Health Authority website. Many bystanders were concerned, but Montgomery city. ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS var field59 = field59 || {}; See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for Publix On Taylor Rd . Some insurances may be billed for eligible services. We are trying to determine exactly who that was, Franklin said. Franklin said it is possible the charge could change. A Wetumpka man is in jail with no bond on a murder charge after the shooting death of a juvenile early this morning, according to Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin. The deceased has been identified by Sheriff Franklin as Christian Baker, 19. Want to get special offers in your inbox? Walmarts corporate communications released a statement, saying, Keeping our customers and associates safe will always be among our top priorities.. Sometimes you just have person suffering from mental illness, and there is nowhere to turn, he said. Around 2000, everything seemed to change. He was taken into custody and transported to the Elmore County Jail without bond. Montgomery Advertiser reporter Melissa Browncontributed to this report. The deputy repeatedly told (Pears) to stop, but he continued coming at the deputy and the father.. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka 440 Casinos By 82bethh During the Coronavirus Wind Creek did everything possible to make customers feel comfortable and safe. Around 3 p.m. on Thursday, the Elmore County Sheriff's Office received a call for service at the 76 gas station located at 10860 U.S. 231. WETUMPKA The Elmore County Sheriff's Office is investigating a double homicide in whicha man allegedly shot his wife and mother to death before turning the handgun on himself, said Sheriff Bill Franklin. The shooting happened in the parking lot of the Creek Travel . Vaccine. Weather 17C Friday 15 | 28C Saturday 11 | 21C Sunday 9 | 23C Monday 12 | 25C Franklin said that Gosdin then fired a round from a handgun into the vehicle. Elmore County was placed under a tornado warning at 10:54 a.m., said Keith Barnett, director of the Elmore County Emergency Management Agency. Gosdin reportedly pistol-whipped the man, knocking him unconscious, before shooting into the vehicle. Anyone with information on the Wetumpka homicide is asked to call Wetumpka police at 334-567-5321 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP. Its just unheard of, Ronda Manning, the owner of Its Personal Boutique said. This remains under investigation, and we have several witnesses we are talking to, Thompson said. "He went into his mother's room and shot Joyce Jeffries, who is 84. The man livedout of town and his name has been withheld as authorities continue to seek and notifyhisnext of kin or other family of his death, Thompson said. According to . NEW! Almost immediately, Franklins dispatch officer received a 911 call from a family member at the residence. Posted: Dec 13, 2022 8:41 PM CST. As for my deputy, I can tell you there is nothing easy about this situation. field59.ipo = { Accordingly, services are provided in accordance with the Community Mental Health Program Standards promulgated by ADMH. It is so difficult to get help. Former Alabama prison guard convicted of failing to stop officer from beating inmate, Police make arrests in two of Montgomery's latest homicides, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. But they will be quick to say even though a crime may have been committed, jail is not the proper place for them to be held without access to mental health services. Subscribe our Newsletter for new blog posts tips & new, editorsarah@yahoo.com 296 were here. William Jeffries, 64, was taken to a Montgomery hospital in serious condition with life-threatening injuries, Franklin said. Laqueta Savage, a Montgomery resident, told WSFA she heard noises outside her house just after midnight Thursday and decided to check it out. There was a problem saving your notification. Budget-friendly Good for Kids Good for Big Groups 9 places sorted by traveler favorites 1. Franklin says Gosdin arrived at the house and confronted another man sitting in a vehicle with Baker. Reward Offered as Montgomery County Deputies Hope to Find Woman, Selma Police Investigating Man's Apparent Murder, Montgomery Police Need Help in Homicide Investigation, Montgomery Firefighters Investigating Large Church Fire Near Downtown, Pedestrian Killed in Three-Car Crash in Troy. We believe that at different points Pears had handgun, a shotgun, but when he came outside he had a very large machete with an 18-inch blade and about an eight inch handle, so basically a two-foot weapon, Franklin said. In the larger Tri-County area, however, its the second case in a week involving the shooting death of a woman whose partner then turned the gun on himself. Gosdin reportedly showed up to find a group of teenagers at the residence. Police have released photos of a possible suspect and of cars leaving the scene after the shooting. I talked to the Mom and Dad and they seem like very good people. 2023 Elmore County Girls Player of the Year: Holtville's Nekolna dominates all facets of the game, Workforce Development and Recidivism: Ingram State helping solve two problems serving only the incarcerated, Softball Roundup: Edgewoods Martin hits game-winner in tourney championship, PHOTOS: Stanhope Elmore baseball beats Holtville, 8-3, PHOTOS: Wetumpka Elementary dresses up as their favorite book characters, PHOTOS: Eclectic Elementary School celebrates Read Across America, PHOTOS: Redland Elementary School hosts Living Black History Museum, PHOTOS: Order of Cimarron hosts Mardi Gras parade, PHOTOS: Edgewood girls defeat Lakeside for state championship, PHOTOS: Edgewood boys defeat Autauga Academy for state championship, PHOTOS: Eclectic businesses host Galentines night. Low 46F. Baker died as a result of that wound. Joseph Manning, Chief of Police Email: [email protected] 3565 bruckner blvd The Wetumpka Police Office is located at 203 East Charles Avenue, Wetumpka, Alabama, 36092. American Cruisers MC sets up Rotating Locations for Bike Nights for This Year, Cleanup Day Saturday for Equality residents; Presented by Hometown Organizing Project, Prattville Chamber showcases Autauga County Tech Center with Open House, Easter Luau at Prattville Airport Raising Funds for PAHS, Local News Website by BWS Websites & Internet Marketing Services. His body has been sent to the Department of Forensics Sciences for an autopsy and determination of cause of death. All Rights Reserved. It marks the first homicide for the year in. Copyrights 2019 - 2022. Police found 42-year-old Centell Winston of Tallassee shot to death inside his vehicle at around 11 p.m. on January 20. A British-Iranian health worker who took part in anti-regime protests in Tehran was shot multiple times at point-blank range by Iranian security forces using buckshot . Sunny skies. We will likely present this to a grand jury in April, Franklin said. Check out the weekly specials and shop vitamins, beauty, medicine & more at 763 Wilson St. Wetumpka, AL 36092. . Authorities are not releasing the mans identity at this time pending the outcome of the investigation by the Wetumpka Police Department. Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Schedule your flu shot ahead of time so you can . Franklin said the shot struck Baker in the groin. I dont feel like this is a random act, Wetumpka Police Chief Greg Benton said. His department is still working to conduct interviews with witnesses, who were heavily inebriated at the time of the incident. But I think every sheriff in Alabama will tell you this is a very sore subject with us. According to Central Alabama . Now he's in charge of rebuilding. Police Chief Mark Thompson said evidence indicatesthat Mageesboyfriend shot herand then shot himself. by Alabama News Network Staff. Franklin said that Gosdin then left the scene and a search began for his vehicle. According to CrimeStoppers, Wells will be transported to the Elmore County Jail and be booked on a $1.5 million bond for murder. But we believe this is an ongoing dispute between several parties. Injection site reactions: pain, redness of the skin and swelling. 4 Mar 2023. Tips can also be . The. But it is the reality they are dealing with daily. The man has been identified as Jonathan Pears and the identity of the deputy involved has not been released. The personnel were there for about 10 minutes but when they left they were thoughtful enough to realize it was a potential domestic violence situation. A 17-year-old female is in custody after a shooting on Sixth Street near downtown this morning around 10 a.m. There have been no arrests at this time. He then shot himself in the head with the .380-caliber handgun. The state is not handling this situation with intent and professionalism. All Rights Reserved. Franklin said Gosdin left the scene but was quickly located by deputies. hknight@riverregion.news Wetumpka police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened late Thursday night outside of the Walmart Supercenter on U.S. Highway 231. This is just a horrible situation, and I truly feel for this family, Sheriff Franklin said. When we do it could be that this charge is elevated to capital murder.. The incident began around 4 a.m. at a home on Ceasarville Road in Deatsville. According to [Perry], just as soon as he gets hit with the first lick, the first strike, he pretty much knocks him unconscious., There is a round that is fired in that vehicle by Mr. Gosdin that strikes Christian Baker in the back seat, Franklin said. As we continue the investigation, we will determine exact charges.. We apprehended him and brought him to the Elmore County Jail and charged him with murder.. They include the MAMHA Complex on Upper Wetumpka Road in Montgomery; the Fountain Center on Glynwood Drive in Prattville (Note: Image Coming Soon is displayed); Hillside Mental Health Center on U.S. 231 in Wetumpka; Lowndes County Mental Health Center in Hayneville; and Adolescent Total Care on Coliseum Boulevard in Montgomery (Note: Image Coming Soon is displayed.). Feb 25, 2023 Franklin said the young man was hit once and knocked unconscious but was not seriously injured. Please support us by subscribing or making a contribution. In total, 18 stories have been published about Wetumpka which Ground News has aggregated in the past 3 months. UPDATE (5:30 p.m.): The Major Crimes Unit of Baldwin County released more details in reference to a Baldwin County deputy shooting and killing a person. Published on December 15, 2022 at 7:52 am CST. Following the rare murder conviction of a police officer, court officials late Friday released the body camera footage that shows what happened when a Huntsville . The fellow was wielding it, and came at the deputy who was holding back the father. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Clear skies. Authorities are on the scene after a person suspected of carjacking was shot by a Poarch Tribal Police officer in south Alabama. There must also be a criminal charge involved. WETUMPKA The Elmore County Sheriff's Office is investigating a double homicide in which a man allegedly shot his wife and mother to death before turning the handgun on himself, said Sheriff. One thing you may not know about the town of Wetumpka is that it was hit by a meteor 1,100 feet (335 meters) in diameter approximately 84 million years ago. Wetumpka Middle School is one of the four middle schools in Elmore County. Wetumpka man charged with murder in Monday morning shooting, Friends remember Stanhope junior Nate Jones, 2023 All-Elmore County Girls Basketball Team, Elmore County Commission recognizes Tallassee championship swimmer, 2023 Elmore County Girls Coach of the Year: Franklin leads Holtville to new heights. That is something the grand jury will determine, Franklin said. He remains in the Elmore County Jail at this time. Wetumpka Police Chief Greg Benton tells Alabama. "They are good folks, we've neverhad any contact with them," the sheriff said. Families are trying to have a loved one committed, but there is a backlog between the time they are finally committed and the time the state has a place to put them, Franklin said. According to Sheriff Franklin, his deputies were called around 4:20 a.m. to a residence near Ceasarville Road with a Deatsville Address. He evidently collapses.. Subscribe our Newsletter for new blog posts tips & new, editorsarah@yahoo.com We expect this case to go before a Grand Jury, perhaps in April, Franklin said. Error! Franklin said the case would be presented to an Elmore County grand jury in April. City of Wetumpka 408 S Main St. Wetumpka, AL 36092-2748 334-567-5147 In the year 2016, there were 4 murders in Wetumpka. Jonathan Pears, 32, was killed in the front yard of his parents' house in Wetumpka on July 28. Franklin said when a deputy arrived, a man identifying himself as the father came out the front door. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. We did a traffic stop and he was in the vehicle. In Alabama, mental health commitments are handled through the Probate Judge in each county. Sunny. Former Alabama prison guard: Former Alabama prison guard convicted of failing to stop officer from beating inmate, Montgomery homicides: Police make arrests in two of Montgomery's latest homicides. Franklin was trying to determine a motive. That is a very frightening fact, officials say. One of the major draws of Wetumpka for Erin was the chance to work on revitalizing the old Victorian Collier House on East Bridge St, which was a major filming location for the movie Big Fish. There was an error processing your request. Wetumpka, AL Authorities in Alabama said that four members of the same family were among those killed by the storm. "He went to another room where his daughter was with her young children. However, once things went quiet, a group of officers stormed the house only to find teenager Haley Wingard shot to death. Body Snatchers - Released in 1993, this film uses Craig Air Force Base as one of its filming locations. Current stores offering the COVID-19 vaccine. Franklin said there are still several elements of the crime investigators are piecing together this morning. We are still trying to interview witnesses, but the problem is that many of them were juveniles and extremely inebriated at the time, so questioning them has been a challenge, Franklin said. Jonathan Pears, 32, was shot in the upper torso, and died at the scene. Al-Bahiri, 52 years old, was taken to Soroka Medical Center in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead. He stressed that not every mental health case involves a problem of drug or alcohol abuse. Alabama News Network Staff. by Also, the Agency holds membership in the National Council for Community Behavioral Health Care and the Alabama Council of Community Mental Health Boards. At some point in the altercation, the man was hit in the head. This Board is appointed by local governments under the Authority of Alabama Act 310 of the 1967 Alabama Legislature. Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said after the incident that Pears was shot when he approached. He tells our deputy, who shot him and where it took place, Franklin said. He reportedly approached a vehicle outside and Franklin said Gosdin began pistol whipping a 19-year-old identified as Login Perry. Jason Gosdin, 39, of Wetumpka was taken into custody this morning and booked into jail. Law enforcement agencies cannot hold a person in jail for mental illness. Anyone with information on the mans identity or location, or who can provide any details about the vehicles or other aspects of the case, should call Wetumpka Police at 334-567-5321 or CrimeStoppers at 215-STOP (7867) or toll free at 1-833-AL1-STOP. Rushdi Al-Bahiri, a well-known businessman in the Bedouin town of Rahat in Israel's south, was shot dead Saturday night in the town. Copyrights 2019 - 2022. Police said six suspects carrying . staff@riverregion.news. It seems that there was a party going on out there at a mobile home, Franklin said. All this occurred within about 30 feet inside the home.". WSFA 12 News will be live in Lee County Friday as we look back at the deadly tornado that struck on May 3, 2019. . CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Police say a 29-year-old man is in custody in connection to a deadly Thursday shooting in downtown Charleston. Now it's time for the street itself to undergo a transformation. Around 9:50 a.m. the vehicle was located on US 231 in Wetumpka, and Gosdin was taken into custody. hknight@riverregion.news You dont think about hearing about a murder here. But the family member told the dispatcher that her son had a gun and asked for help from us.. ELMORE COUNTY, Ala. (WSFA) - A 19-year-old is dead and a 39-year-old has been charged with murder after an incident in Elmore County Monday. None of us wake up in the morning wanting to think we may have to kill someone. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA//Gray News) - A woman in Alabama is speaking out after she says a man recently released from jail attacked her outside her home. A 1/4 mile guided hike in the woods where you shoot anything that scares you! ELMORE, COUNTY, AL (WTVM) - An Alabama man has reportedly shot and killed his wife and daughter, as well as shooting two other daughters before killing himself. While Franklin said he could not speak with authority on this particular situation, he is very well aware that trying to find help for people with mental issues has become increasingly difficult. Schedule your vaccine ahead of time so you can get out faster. Detectives processed the scene for evidence and are following up on several leads at this time, the police department said in a statement. That started about 6:30 or 7 a.m.. All Rights Reserved. Stay current with all the latest and breaking news about Wetumpka, compare headlines and perspectives between news sources on stories happening today. Another happened at the Chantilly Parkway store in Montgomery with City Councilman Charles Jinright saying that incident also was not random.. That bullet struck Christian Baker, hitting him near the groin area, as he was sitting in the back seat. Wetumpka man charged with murder in Monday morning shooting Updated Feb 27, 2023 The Elmore County Sheriff's Office is still trying to get to the bottom of a Monday morning incident that left Christian Baker, 19, dead after a shooting on Ceasarville Road. Gosdin will make an initial appearance before a judge in the next few days. That's the only thing we have as a possible motive right now.". He got pistol whipped by Mr. Gosdin, Franklin said. Mar 4, 2023 2:06 pm IST. Local news . All Rights Reserved. We immediately called a third party law enforcement agency to investigate, as it was one of our deputies involved, Franklin said. Wetumpka police have made an arrest in connection to the fatal shooting of a man last month in the parking lot of the Walmart Supercenter on U.S. Highway 231. Officers with the Charleston Police . 2220 County Rd 210 W Ste 200. We feel like it was a targeted subject by someone that knew him.. The Elmore Sheriffs Office has turned over an investigation of one of their deputies fatally shooting a man wielding a machete Wednesday evening to the Chilton County Sheriffs Office. There is a remote chance that the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction. As Alabama News Network has reported, officers found 42-year-old Centell Winston of Tallassee dead of a gunshot wound inside his vehicle at around 11 p.m. Thursday. No details on a possible motive were immediately clear but the police department said evidence suggests this was not a random act without providing any other information. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. At some point in the altercation, the man was hit in the head. Mr. Baker then opens the door and tries to flee on foot. It didnt always used to be this way. "It's my all-time favorite movie since 2003. Even patients who have been committed dont always have an immediate opening for service, and at times are sent back to family who are not prepared to care for their mental illness. NEW! The base is located in Selma. When authorities got wind of a hostage situation in an Elmore County, Alabama, home, they rushed to the spot and tried their best to negotiate with the kidnapper. The shootings occurred about 1:15 p.m. Saturday at the Jeffries home in the6100 block of Highway 143 in Spiegner, an unincorporated community about 10 miles northwest of Wetumpka. Marty Roney Montgomery Advertiser WETUMPKA - The Elmore County Sheriff's Office is investigating a Monday morning shooting in which the victim died after being shot in the groin. Rest easy, Wetumpka, the cat ladies have been brought to justice. Police and fire medics responded to the 2700 block of Lower Wetumpka Road around 5 p.m. Friday on a call of people shot, said police spokeswoman Cpl. Sherif Saad Autauga County, AL The Montgomery Advertiser The interstate destroyed his neighborhood. We have a dying declaration. Franklin said it is still early in the investigation but it appears Gosdin received a phone call from someone at the party. The deadly shooting involved a 32-year-old man wielding a two-foot long machete-like knife with an 18-inch blade and a deputy with the Elmore County Sheriff's Office. Updated: Mar. The girls were shot around 5 p.m. Saturday by their father -- identified as 51-year-old Robert Orsi -- inside the family's house on Granite Way in the Stonegate subdivision in Wetumpka. Here's what you need to know about the program that will be available at . Franklin said the initial investigation revealed there were several 19 year-olds there including Login Perry who was sitting in the front seat of a vehicle. The home where the incident happened is also said to be that of Gosdins ex-wife. Marshals Fugitive Task Force took Calvin Wells of Montgomery into custody at about 2:30 p.m. this afternoon. We want the citizens of Wetumpka to understand, we will not rest until we bring the perpetrators responsible for this loss of life and reckless behavior to justice., This marks the second shooting in a River Region area Walmart parking lot in just a matter of days. Winds light and variable. You can also visit Wetumpka Police's website for more details. Address. "global": { Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. It is no longer a certainty that a mental health patient will receive treatment simply because they may be a danger to themselves or others. "prerollTemplate":"https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x480&iu=/132916964,50847294/alabamanews.net/news/crime&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&vpos=preroll&unviewed_position_start=1&correlator=1677950131&cust_params=category=Crime%2CMontgomery%20Metro%2CNews%2CTop%20Stories&video_position=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alabamanews.net%2F2022%2F01%2F22%2Fwetumpka-police-chief-residents-speak-out-about-first-murder-in-four-years%2F&post=840633" Wetumpka Police Chief Greg Benton tells Alabama News Network that officers found 42-year-old Centell Winston dead of a gunshot wound inside his vehicle at around 11 p.m. Benton says there are no suspects at this time. Wetumpka police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened late Thursday night outside of the Walmart Supercenter on U.S. Highway 231. However, some individuals may qualify for a reduced fee based upon family income and size. On Tuesday night,Prattville police responded to a homicide at the600 block of Shadow Lane. Copyright 2022 WSFA 12 News. by We understand he had tried to seek help in the past for those issues. Obviously, Mr. Pears was wrestling with some type of emotional issue. High 77F. Updated: 24 hours . The Elmore County Sheriff's Office is still trying to get to the bottom of a Monday morning incident that left Christian Baker, 19, dead after a shooting on Ceasarville Road. Find store hours and driving directions for your CVS pharmacy in Wetumpka, AL. The. "The Big Fish house was a dream come true," Erin told TV Insider. staff@riverregion.news. Elmore Sheriff Bill Franklin Gives Update on Fatal Shooting Wednesday in Emerald Mountain July 29, 2021 BY SARAH STEPHENS Two locations for mental health assisted are noted on the MAMHA website. A deputy on scene immediately tried lifesaving measures and medics were called, Franklin said. The businesses along Company Street in downtown Wetumpka got new life earlier this year, thanks to HGTV. Beds for confinement and treatment are extremely difficult to come by. We are a public, non-profit corporation which is governed by a 24-member Board of Directors. 1:29 WETUMPKA Police in Wetumpka are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Thursday night in the parking lot of the city's Walmart. According to Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin, Elmore County deputies responded at approximately 4:20 a.m. Monday to a mobile home on Ceasarville Road. cwilson@riverregion.news Copyrights 2019 - 2022. Around 9:50 a.m., Franklin said deputies stopped Gosdin while he was driving a vehicle on Highway 231. Baker exited the vehicle and attempted to run away before collapsing. But it happens, and unfortunately, I am afraid it will happen again eventually.. Jason Gosdin of Wetumpka booked for murder of Christian Baker in Elmore County, American Cruisers MC sets up Rotating Locations for Bike Nights for This Year, Cleanup Day Saturday for Equality residents; Presented by Hometown Organizing Project, Prattville Chamber showcases Autauga County Tech Center with Open House, Easter Luau at Prattville Airport Raising Funds for PAHS, Local News Website by BWS Websites & Internet Marketing Services. "dfpConfig": { Subscribe our Newsletter for new blog posts tips & new, editorsarah@yahoo.com hknight@riverregion.news diving face split Find 15 listings related to Publix On Taylor Rd in Wetumpka on YP.com. Success! [Gosdin] drives to this trailer where his ex-wife was.. It is located in the. }; Wetumpkas police chief and residents are speaking to Alabama News Network about the fatal shooting of a man in the Walmart parking lot, which is the citys first murder case in four years. In speaking with multiple public officials relating to different articles on mental health recently, that seems to be an all-too-frequent problem. The dispatcher stayed on the phone and could hear loud voices in the background with one saying, I am not going back. We had no idea what that was about at the time. BCSO was called to a home on Highway 90 in R ELMORE COUNTY, Ala. (WSFA) - One person has been shot and a man is in custody after a shooting in Elmore County Thursday afternoon, according to Sheriff Bill . Al Arabiya English. The scene was turned over to the Wetumpka Criminal Investigations Division. Wetumpka's police chief and residents are speaking to Alabama News Network about the fatal shooting of a man in the Walmart parking lot, which is the city's first murder case in four years.. The deputy stopped him to talk to him to try and understand what was happening. If you have questions about services offered by MAMHA, you can reach them by phone at 334-279-7830 (24 Hours) or by mail at 2140 Upper Wetumpka Road, Montgomery, AL 36107. The police are investigating the circumstances of the incident. ELMORE COUNTY, Ala. (WSFA) - A 19-year-old is dead and a 39-year-old has been charged with murder after an incident in Elmore County Monday. He died while reporting on a violent crime in Orlando on Wednesday while working for Spectrum News 13. ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS A 17-year-old female is in custody after a shooting on Sixth Street near downtown this morning around 10 a.m. All rights reserved. Elmore County man charged with murder in death of 19-year-old, Investigation underway after body found in Montgomery, Montgomery Motor Speedway to hold 59th annual Alabama 200, Pedestrian struck in fatal Covington County crash, Three shot, another injured in Dothan bar fight. The impact affected a large area, encompassing both land and a shallow sea, as it hit the earth with the force of 175,000 bombs like those that were dropped at Hiroshima. He is telling us before he expires what happened to him.. Incident reports of the Wetumpka Police Department from Feb. 14 to Feb.21. We will update with more information when it becomes available. CASH ONLY! All rights reserved. It is just a horrible situation.. Monday morning, asphalt. Baker is found by first responders still alive and speaks with law enforcement. Wetumpka C.I.D. It is only going to get worse when you consider all of these synthetic and designer drugs on the market, Franklin said. City. To my knowledge, we had never had any dealings with Mr. Pears in the past. They can, but that is not always the case. "They just bought that house about a year ago. Copyright 2023 WSFA. At that time, the charges could be upgraded to capital murder, according to Ala. Code 1975, 13A-5-40(a)(17). Because of the circumstances, by virtue of shooting into an occupied vehicle and causing a death, it is possible the charge could be elevated to capital murder, but that will be up to a grand jury.. The level of inebriation is extremely high.. Workers work to clear Firetower Road of downed trees after a storm blew through the area near Wetumpka, Ala., on Tuesday April 5, 2022. Police were called to the parking lot around 11 p.m. Once there, they found Centell Winston, 42 of Tallassee, inside his SUV, dead of a gunshot wound. Sometimes mental health patients turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. Wayne McNeil, 29, of Charleston, is charged with one count of murder and one count of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, according to police. COVID did not help the situation. Then a man later identified as Jonathan Pears exited the house through the front door armed with a machete-like weapon.